New York Times bestseller
A kayak accident during a South American adventure takes one woman to heaven—where she experienced God’s peace, joy, and angels—and back to life again.
In 1999 in the Los Rios region of southern Chile, orthopedic surgeon, devoted wife, and loving mother Dr. Mary Neal drowned in a kayak accident. While cascading down a waterfall, her kayak became pinned at the bottom and she was immediately and completely submerged. Despite the rescue efforts of her companions, Mary was underwater for too long, and as a result, died.
To Heaven and Back is Mary’s remarkable story of her life’s spiritual journey and what happened as she moved from life to death to eternal life, and back again. Detailing her feelings and surroundings in heaven, her communication with angels, and her deep sense of sadness when she realized it wasn’t her time, Mary shares the captivating experience of her modern-day miracle.
Mary’s life has been forever changed by her newfound understanding of her purpose on earth, her awareness of God, her closer relationship with Jesus, and her personal spiritual journey suddenly enhanced by a first-hand experience in heaven. To Heaven and Back will reacquaint you with the hope, wonder, and promise of heaven, while enriching you own faith and walk with God.
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"This is a beautiful book about a woman's experience of dying during a kayak trip in South America, and the amazing miracle of her living to tell about it. She sheds great perspective into her experiences in heaven, and further unusual (heavenly) experiences in life, and I felt encouraged by her account. Did I mention she's a doctor? Yeah...again...a different perspective that I loved!"
— Alisa (5 out of 5 stars)
New York Times bestsellerCBA bestsellerECPA bestsellerLA Times bestsellerPublisher Weekly bestsellerUSA Today bestsellerWall Street Journal bestseller
" I guess I was expecting something truly extraordinary, and I just didn't get it. I don't know if this is real or not. I've never heard of a near-death experience where the person keeps talking to angels. I'm inclined to think that it was the drugs talking. She was badly injured, yet she makes it sound like she was just lounging around in her bed, chatting away. I truly want to believe, and I guess I read this book hoping to find those answers, but I didn't find them here. It all boils down to faith, I guess. "
— Beth, 2/12/2014" Written by an MD, this book will surely re-define your belief in the hereafter and that there is truly a God and a Heaven. Enjoyed this very much because it reinforced my belief that my loved ones are in a beautiful place! "
— Joann, 2/8/2014" This book was ok. Interesting at times, an easy read, but not very memorable. "
— Jeanine, 1/31/2014" Not great writing but it is an intriguing work and a very easy read. "
— Gale, 1/24/2014" Although I believe in heaven and I believe in angels and, of course, believe in God, I still struggle to believe that the images people have during near death experiences are really and truly glimpses into heaven. And part of that could be that these experiences are so intense and so personal that it is a mistake to try to translate them into a written format. That a real glimpse of heaven is beyond our human comprehension. Still, I appreciate Mary Neal sharing her faith in such an open and loving way which is what we are all called to do. "
— Julie, 1/21/2014" Meh... I didn't enjoy her style of writing, though her story was interesting. Was happy when the book was over. "
— Jesse, 1/19/2014" I absolutely LOVED this book and highly recommend it for EVERYONE!! "
— Ann, 1/17/2014" I finished it in one afternoon/evening (not sure I've ever done that before?!). It was fascinating. And, ultimately, inspiring. A story that will linger with me for a while. "
— Ginger, 1/1/2014" A quick and easy read. "
— Pk, 12/26/2013" A very fascinating story about this woman's experience. "
— Heidi, 12/2/2013" Basically "same old". Quick read. Probably what intrigued me most was her thought on angels. "
— Deyanne, 11/22/2013" Needs some editing. Not as tightly written as it should be. Did not flow easily but some good insights. "
— Sandy, 11/16/2013" I'm on a roll with near death experience books lately. "
— Mara, 9/17/2013" she may be a great doctor but not a great author "
— Janet, 9/12/2013" Everyone should read this book "
— Gail, 7/9/2013" Really interesting, kept me wanting to know more. "
— Nicole, 6/16/2013" Very good book. It really made me think and stays with me. It reads very quick too. "
— Elaine, 5/1/2013" Great book, very thought provoking. "
— Missy, 3/24/2013" This is not a feel good book like Heaven is for Real. It ends on an especially depressing note. It is very interesting though, and gives a lot of food for thought. "
— Rose, 3/9/2013" Very good and enlightening. I enjoyed it. I had a hard time picturing her in the water dying but other than that, it was very interesting. "
— Linda, 2/22/2013" An excellent book & true story. Do you believe in angels & God? Really makes you think. Even makes you feel better about death & those who have gone before you!! "
— Starr, 2/4/2013" Quick read. Some amazing coincidences or divine intervention are reported in book. Lots to think about. Definitely worth reading. "
— Sandy, 2/4/2013" Another great book about a doctor who had a glimpse of heaven when she died in a drowning accident, and it changed her life forever. I found it really interesting and enlightening and was moved by her experience. "
— Carol, 1/27/2013" Inspirational book for believers and non believers. There are angels all around us ! "
— Cathy, 11/12/2012" I read this book before my Mom passed away and it brought me comfort after she died. "
— Terry, 8/27/2012" This is really more about her life than anything supernatural. Lots of talk about God etc. If you already believe in God and Angels it will be rather boring. If you don't have faith it might be inspirational for you. I was not thrilled with the contents. "
— Cyanemi, 6/22/2012Mary C. Neal is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former director of spine surgery at the University of Southern California, and a founding partner of the Orthopedic Associates of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She received her medical degree from the School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also trained in general surgery before completing an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Southern California. She has served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, is a member of the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations, and created the Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund (wnealenvirofund.org).
Rebecca Lowman is an actress and audiobook narrator who has won numerous Earphones Awards. She has starred in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, Big Love, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy, among many others. She earned her MFA from Columbia University.